Pollinator Policy Shift: Vermont is rolling out community screenings for “Seeding Change: Farming Beyond Neonics,” spotlighting farmers and researchers on how to grow without neonicotinoid-treated seeds as the state phases them out by 2029. Crop Development & Markets: In the Philippines, a bill would declare ube (purple yam) a national priority crop, backed by a proposed industry council and support for seed, processing, marketing and exports. Ag Safety & Training: UMaine Extension launched a self-paced online Tractor Safety: Foundations course for beginning operators, with a Level 2 option for full certification. Food Supply Chain Tech: Medical Care Technologies launched StrainScan Pro, an AI visual identification tool aimed first at cannabis strain analysis, with expansion plans for broader agricultural and food quality control. Disaster & Flood Impacts: Flash floods in Pakistan’s Chitral region damaged farmlands and infrastructure after glacier lake outburst and heavy rains. Drought Relief (US): USDA expanded drought disaster area designations in Virginia’s Ninth District, adding more counties eligible for assistance. Fertiliser Crackdown (India): Gujarat appointed investigation and inspection officers to curb subsidised fertiliser diversion, hoarding, black marketing and counterfeits. Social Protection (Cambodia): Experts urged expanding Cambodia’s NSSF to cover older adults left out after war and informal work, warning of mounting healthcare and debt pressures.